How Redbridge Integrates Multilingual Learning in the Classroom
At Redbridge International School in Lisbon, multilingual education is more than a teaching strategy—it’s at the heart of who we are. From Early Years to Secondary, students experience a truly language-rich environment where English, Portuguese, and French are naturally integrated into everyday learning.
With a diverse and multicultural school community, Redbridge celebrates language as a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas. Our mission is to nurture confident, compassionate, and multilingual learners who thrive in a global world.
🌱 Early Years: Full Language Immersion in English, Portuguese, and French
In the Early Years, children benefit from a full language immersion model that introduces them to English, Portuguese, and French in natural, playful ways. Through songs, storytelling, visual cues, gestures, and daily routines, our educators ensure that all children feel included, safe, and engaged—no matter their first language.
This multilingual early education approach supports not only language development but also emotional well-being, cultural curiosity, and social connection. It lays the groundwork for strong bilingual and multilingual communication skills.
📘 Primary Years: Bilingual Learning Pathways
As students transition into the Primary Years, they continue to grow through one of two bilingual learning pathways:
- French-English Bilingual Pathway
- Portuguese-English Bilingual Pathway
Each pathway follows either the French or Portuguese national curriculum, integrated with English-language learning. Students become academically fluent in two languages, learning to express themselves confidently across disciplines like science, mathematics, and literacy.
In both pathways, students also follow the Cambridge International Programme for English—building their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This program culminates in internationally recognised Cambridge English exams, which support practical language use and promote lifelong multilingual learning.
To foster collaboration and leadership, students are encouraged to support each other through peer-to-peer translation, strengthening vocabulary and empathy in real-world contexts.
🎓 Secondary: Academic Excellence Through Multilingualism
In Secondary School, Redbridge deepens its commitment to multilingual academic excellence. Students may choose to continue with:
- The French National Programme, leading to the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) with an English Option—a highly respected, rigorous qualification for bilingual students.
- The Cambridge International Programme, available from Year 8, which offers internationally benchmarked content in English and prepares students for future academic and professional success.
At this stage, multilingual education becomes a tool for critical thinking, analysis, and global engagement. Students use language not just to communicate, but to explore ideas, write persuasively, and collaborate across cultures—developing true global citizenship.
🧑🤝🧑 A Whole-School, Community-Based Multilingual Approach
Our multilingual learning environment extends beyond the classroom. Redbridge fosters a strong community of international families, students, and educators who celebrate language diversity together. Events such as Language Week, International Day, and storytelling sessions enrich the school culture and reinforce the value of multilingualism in everyday life.
💬 More Than Words: Building Multilingual Global Citizens
At Redbridge, language is more than just a subject—it’s a means of identity, empathy, and connection. Through our bilingual education in Lisbon, we empower students to:
- Communicate effectively in multiple languages
- Understand diverse perspectives
- Lead with cultural intelligence and compassion
Whether in the Early Years or preparing for the BFI or Cambridge exams, Redbridge students become not just multilingual—but multiliterate, multicultural, and ready for the world.
📍 Discover Multilingual Learning in Action
Curious about our bilingual pathways in English, Portuguese, or French?
Visit www.redbridgeschool.com or follow us on Instagram @redbridgeinternationalschool to learn how we’re shaping the next generation of multilingual learners in Portugal.
